Southern India

All content by Intrepid

15 days (Kochi)

Destinations visited: India, Kochi (Cochin), World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,230

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Description

Lush and tropical, southern India is inspiring and delightful. Beneath the green shade of a coastal paradise, meet with locals in their fishing villages and tribal homes. Join them in the bazaars, on buses and boats or even on pilgrimage in Madurai. From iconic cultural sights like the Maharaja's Palace in Mysore to French-infused Pondicherry and the vast landscape of Periyar - southern India's spirituality, friendly people and wild animal sanctuaries make it a fascinating part of the country to explore.

Highlights

Join pilgrims in Madurai.
Soak up the French influences in Pondicherry.
Savour the aromas at a spice farm.
Experience island life on a homestay in the Kerala backwaters.
Explore the abundant Periyar National Park.
Ride a train through tea plantations in Ootacamund.
Admire the mish-mash of colonial styles in Kochi.
Safari into the wilds of Mudumalai National Park.
Cycle around the fishing village of Mamallapuram.
Be awed by Mysore's ornate Maharaja's Palace.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Kochi

As a centre for the spice trade for centuries, cosmopolitan Kochi has an intriguing mix of cultural influences from both the Indian continent and overseas.

Days 3-4 Ootacamund

One of India's more famous hill stations, Ootacamund has spectacular views, a wonderful food market and a cool 'toy' train into the Nilgiri mountains.

Day 5 Mudumalai National Park

Set against the mist-covered peaks of the enchanting Nilgiri Mountains, Mudumalai National Park is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe diverse wildlife in close proximity.

Days 6-7 Mysore

The peaceful city of Mysore has a score of lovely parks, grand buildings, well-regarded yoga centres and an incredible palace, the product of its Wodeyar Dynasty heritage.

Day 8 Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram (also Mahabalipuram) is a town with ancient origins. It has nice beaches, good restaurants and the intricately carved Shore Temple, still standing from the 9th century.

Day 9 Pondicherry

A former French colony, Pondicherry (now Puducherry) has a distinct French feel while retaining its Indian roots, making it one of India's more surprising and delightful cities.

Day 10 Madurai

With incredible temple complexes and a recorded history going back to the 3rd century BC, Madurai has some wonderful buildings and heritage sites to discover.

Days 11-12 Periyar National Park

Periyar is an area of Kerala famed for its spice plantations and wildlife sanctuary, which is home to tigers and elephants, among other creatures, and beautiful scenery.

Day 13 Kerala Backwaters Homestay

Swaying palm trees, lush rice paddies, winding waterways, Ayurvedic massage and welcoming locals all await on this amazing Kerala Backwaters homestay.

Days 14-15 Kochi

Kochi is a fascinating city made up of a number of islands and peninsulas, and its numerous attractions are best seen by rickshaw or boat.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Homestay, Hotel, Jungle resort, Overnight sleeper train, Resort

Transport

4x4 Safari Vehicle, Auto rickshaw, Boat, Bus, Ferry, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Train

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip. See under the Single Traveller section of your Trip Notes for more information.

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from USD$1,230

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